quánwēi: 权威 - Authority, Authoritative

Keywords: quánwēi, 权威, authority, authoritative, expert, power, official source, Chinese word for authority, authority in Chinese culture, HSK 5

Summary: Learn the essential Chinese word 权威 (quánwēi), which means authority or authoritative. This term is crucial for understanding Chinese culture, as it refers not just to official power but also to the deep respect given to experts and established knowledge. This guide will break down its meaning, cultural significance, and practical use with many example sentences, helping you grasp how to use and understand `权威` in real-world contexts, from news reports to academic discussions.

Pinyin (with tone marks): quánwēi

Part of Speech: Noun, Adjective

HSK Level: HSK 5

Concise Definition: “Authority” or “authoritative”; the legitimate power or recognized expertise to influence, command, or be trusted.

In a Nutshell: `权威` is a strong, formal term that encapsulates the idea of respected power. Think of it in two main ways: 1) As a noun, it's “an authority” – a person, group, or publication that is a trusted expert (e.g., a leading scientist, a government agency). 2) As an adjective, it's “authoritative” – describing information or a statement that comes from a trusted, expert source. The feeling behind `权威` is one of legitimacy, respect, and reliability.

权 (quán): This character means “power,” “right,” or “authority.” Think of its component 木 (mù), meaning “tree” or “wood,” as representing a standard or a scale for weighing things. This act of judging and balancing is a core part of exercising power and authority.

威 (wēi): This character means “might,” “prestige,” or “inspiring awe.” It conveys a sense of power that commands respect, and sometimes even a little intimidation. It's the “wow factor” of power.

Together, 权威 (quánwēi) combines the concepts of legitimate power/right (权) with respected might/prestige (威). This creates a word that means more than just having a title; it signifies a deep, recognized, and influential form of authority that people naturally look up to and trust.

In traditional Chinese culture, heavily influenced by Confucianism, there is a strong emphasis on social harmony, order, and respect for hierarchy. This includes showing deference to elders, teachers, scholars, and government officials. As a result, `权威` (quánwēi) often carries a more inherently positive or neutral connotation than the English word “authority” might in some Western cultures.

Comparison with Western “Authority”: In many Western, particularly American, contexts, a common cultural trope is to “question authority.” Authority can be viewed with skepticism and seen as something that must constantly prove its legitimacy. In China, while not blind or absolute, the default response to `权威` is often one of respect and trust. An expert's opinion or an official announcement is generally given more weight initially. `权威` is seen as a source of stability, knowledge, and guidance, rather than a force to be resisted.

This value is reflected in the media, where “authoritative sources” (权威来源) are frequently cited to lend credibility, and in daily life, where the words of a respected doctor or professor (an `权威`) are taken very seriously.

Formality: `权威` is a formal word. You would use it when discussing serious topics like science, news, politics, or academia. It's not typically used in very casual, informal chats with friends unless the topic itself is serious.

权力 (quánlì) - Power; the ability to command or control. Contrasts with `权威`, which is based on respect and legitimacy.

专家 (zhuānjiā) - Expert. An expert is often a source of `权威` in their field.

官方 (guānfāng) - Official; governmental. Information from an `官方` source is considered to be `权威`.

威信 (wēixìn) - Prestige; reputation; public trust. `威信` is the social capital that underpins `权威`. High `威信` leads to strong `权威`.

地位 (dìwèi) - Status; position. A person's high `地位` in an organization or society often grants them `权威`.

有分量 (yǒu fènliàng) - Lit. “to have weight”; influential. A person whose words `有分量` is often considered an `权威`.

专制 (zhuānzhì) - Autocratic; dictatorial. A negative term for a system that rules through `权力` (power), not `权威` (respected authority).

信誉 (xìnyù) - Credibility; reputation. A source must have good `信誉` to be considered `权威`.